Hallmark Channel Apologizes For Axing Same-Sex Wedding Ads

Source: Zola
The Hallmark Channel has issued a public apology after receiving criticism for pulling ads showing a same-sex wedding.
Ads from the wedding planning website Zola first appeared on the channel in early December and featured several same-sex couples at the altar. According to People, the ads were pulled after One Million Moms, a division of the conservative American Family Association, published a petition urging Hallmark to no longer air the ads featuring same-sex couples.

This is the commercial that @hallmarkchannel and @billabbottHC found so incredibly offensive. pic.twitter.com/8VfXYyqXIC

— andy lassner (@andylassner) December 14, 2019

Hallmark’s parent company, Crown Media Family Networks, pulled the ads, telling the Times, “The debate surrounding these commercials on all sides was distracting from the purpose of our network, which is to provide entertainment value.”
However, after the channel received backlash over their decision to pull the ads, Crown Media has vowed to reinstate Zola’s ads.

Crown Media Family Networks apologizes for the decision to remove an ad featuring a same-sex couple. "We are truly sorry for the hurt and disappointment this has caused," said Mike Perry President & CEO, Hallmark Cards Inc. Full statement here: https://t.co/bpyOss0tmu

— Hallmark Channel (@hallmarkchannel) December 16, 2019

According to People, Mike Perry, President and CEO, Hallmark Cards, Inc., released a statement saying, “The Crown Media team has been agonizing over this decision as we’ve seen the hurt it has unintentionally caused. Said simply, they believe this was the wrong decision.”
“Our mission is rooted in helping all people connect, celebrate traditions, and be inspired to capture meaningful moments in their lives. Anything that detracts from this purpose is not who we are. We are truly sorry for the hurt and disappointment this has caused,” the statement continued.